If You Go to Yamagata, Try These! 7 Recommended Hands-On Experience Spots

Rich in natural beauty, Yamagata offers many attractions such as scenic spots and hot springs. But Yamagata also has many places where you can do more than just look—there are numerous hands-on experiences to enjoy. Here are seven carefully selected experiential spots in Yamagata that will surely create wonderful travel memories.

1. “Mogami River Boat Ride” — Enjoy the Historic Scenery of Yamagata

The famous Mogami River in Yamagata, celebrated in haiku by Matsuo Bashō and known for being traveled upstream by Minamoto no Yoshitsune, is one of Japan’s three fastest-flowing rivers. The “Mogami River Boat Ride” lets visitors tour this river on nostalgic wooden boats. Among the rides, the “Enmusubi Line,” which was even featured in newspapers, is especially popular. This approximately one-hour round trip departs from the Takaya Boarding Point—nicknamed the “Enmusubi Boarding Point”—near JR Takaya Station, an unmanned station.
The tour includes a visit to Sennindo, a spiritual spot believed to bring blessings for matchmaking and traffic safety. You’ll also drift leisurely downstream while enjoying the enchanting scenery described in The Narrow Road to the Deep North. The boatman’s songs add to the charm. After disembarking, you can enjoy a “Sennindo Spring Water Coffee.” With reservations, you can even experience gourmet plans such as eating local “Imoni” stew or soba noodles aboard the boat.

2. “Ohsyo Orchard” — Cherry Picking in Yamagata, King of Fruits

Yamagata Prefecture boasts the highest cherry production in Japan, truly deserving the title “Cherry Kingdom.” The Yamagata Basin, with its long daylight hours and extreme day-night temperature differences, produces exceptionally sweet cherries. At “Ohsyo Orchard” in Tendo City, you can enjoy all-you-can-eat cherry picking.
Since cherries store nutrients at night, early morning—when these nutrients are most concentrated—is said to be the best time to eat them. Here, you can indulge in as many freshly picked morning cherries as you like.
Starting at 6:30 AM and requiring reservations, this spot offers an experience you won’t find elsewhere—allowing you to enjoy Yamagata’s specialty cherries at their peak flavor.

3. “Kamo Aquarium” — See, Touch, and Taste Marine Life in Yamagata

The Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium is Yamagata’s only aquarium and home to the world’s largest Jellyfish Dream Theater, displaying 50 types of jellyfish, a Guinness World Record. More than just an aquarium, it’s a hands-on attraction. In the kids’ corner, you can touch creatures such as hermit crabs and starfish in tanks designed to resemble rocky shores. In one section of the “Kuranetarium,” you can take photos alongside the ethereal jellyfish.
Uniquely, you can also eat jellyfish here. Dishes such as jellyfish ramen and jellyfish ice cream, made from edible species like barrel jellyfish and Nomura’s jellyfish, are popular with visitors. Souvenirs include jellyfish buns, making it a place where you can truly see, touch, and taste.

4. “Eishundo” — Shogi Piece-Making in Tendo City

Tendo City is famous for its shogi pieces, both as a traditional craft and a specialty souvenir. At “Eishundo,” you can experience making your own shogi pieces—a rare activity even in Tendo.
You can watch hand-carving demonstrations and try your hand at the “Kakigoma” experience, painting letters or designs onto decorative pieces with a brush. This activity takes about 30 minutes and requires reservations. You can also order name-engraved piece straps and purchase unique, highly original shogi pieces.
Located near Tendo Onsen, Eishundo is perfect to visit before or after a hot spring bath. The surrounding area also offers foot baths, confectionery shops, and cafés for a pleasant stroll.

5. “Tanaka Kokeshi Shop” — Hot Spring Tour and Kokeshi Doll Painting

In Zao Onsen, one of Yamagata’s famous hot spring areas, you can visit “Tanaka Kokeshi Shop” to paint traditional Yamagata kokeshi dolls. They’ll teach you the meanings behind the patterns and how to paint them, letting you create a one-of-a-kind kokeshi.
One recommended option is the “Yumeguri Kokeshi” set, which combines kokeshi painting with a hot spring tour. For 1,300 yen, you get one doll and three hot spring tour seals. Each seal allows you to enjoy day-use baths at inns in the area.
This popular set can be purchased at the Zao Onsen Tourism Association. Relax in Zao’s famous hot springs and create a memorable handcrafted souvenir.

6. “Holland Senbei Factory” — Make Yamagata’s Soul Food Rice Crackers

At the “Holland Senbei Factory” in Sakata City, you can tour the factory that produces Holland Senbei, a local soul food made from premium rice grown in the fertile Shonai Plain. You can also make your own senbei, seasoning it to your taste, and enjoy it fresh from the grill.
After the factory tour, relax in the café while eating senbei, and browse the shop for souvenirs. It’s a must-visit spot when sightseeing in Sakata City.

7. “Tabiyakatan Arashi no Yu” — A Unique Hot Spring Experience in Yamagata

In Higashine City’s Sakurambo Higashine Onsen, “Tabiyakatan Arashi no Yu” offers a distinctive way to enjoy hot springs. Here, you can try “Arashi no Yu,” a natural hot spring with amber-colored water and floors covered in 15 types of medicinal stones. You lie directly on the warm stone floor, letting the heat envelop your body.
Massage services to improve circulation are also available. This unique bathing style is hard to find elsewhere. Day-use bathing is offered, so even non-staying guests can enjoy it.

◎ Summary

As you can see, Yamagata offers more than sightseeing—it’s full of interactive experiences, from the Mogami River boat ride to making traditional crafts like kokeshi dolls and shogi pieces, and even cooking local treats like Holland Senbei. On your trip to Yamagata, take advantage of these hands-on activities to create unforgettable memories.

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If You Go to Yamagata, Try These! 7 Recommended Hands-On Experience Spots